Arrest of a U.S. Citizen

The Department of State is committed to ensuring fair and humane treatment for U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas. We stand ready to assist incarcerated citizens and their families within the limits of our authority in accordance with international, U.S., Sri Lankan and Maldivian law.

Avoid getting arrested overseas by:

Following the laws and regulations of the country where you are visiting or living.

Learning about laws which might be different from the laws in the United States. We provide some information for each country on our Country Specific pages. For further information on laws within the foreign country before you go, contact that country’s nearest embassy or consulate within the United States.

When a U.S. citizen is arrested overseas, he or she may be initially confused and disoriented. It can be more difficult because the prisoner is in unfamiliar surroundings, and may not know the local language, customs, or legal system. The U.S. government cannot arrange for an American citizen to be released from jail or prison.

How we can help:

Provide a list of local attorneys who speak English

Contact family, friends, or employers of the detained U.S. citizen with their written permission

Visit the detained U.S. citizen regularly and provide reading materials and vitamin supplements, where appropriate

Help ensure that prison officials are providing appropriate medical care for you

Provide a general overview of the local criminal justice process

Inform the detainee of local and U.S.-based resources to assist victims of crime that may be available to them

If the arrestee would like, ensure that prison officials are permitting visits with a member of the clergy of the religion of their choice

Establish an OCS Trust so friends and family can transfer funds to imprisoned U.S. citizens, when permissible under prison regulations